Philippine serpent eagle rescued in Zambales

IBA, Zambales— A Philippine serpent eagle was rescued at Barangay Matain in Subic town, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Luzon on Monday.

The rescued raptor, scientifically known as Spilornis holospilus, was turned over by the Matain village government to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Olongapo City for proper assessment and care.

CENRO Olongapo head Forester Edward Sernadilla, assisted by wildlife enforcement officer Bryan Vallejos, received the bird and conducted a preliminary health assessment.

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Sernadilla said the eagle was later transferred to the Wildlife In Nature Rescue Center in the Subic Bay Freeport for further medical evaluation and rehabilitation.

Authorities will determine whether the bird can eventually be returned to the wild.

The Philippine serpent eagle is a raptor endemic to the Philippines and is commonly found in forest edges, foothills, riparian areas, and cultivated landscapes.

Under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, it is classified as an Other Wildlife Species (OWS). The species is currently assessed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), although the DENR has noted a declining population trend.

The species is also protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, which provides for the conservation and protection of wildlife and their habitats./coa